Soccer game in Cebu ends in violence

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – An under-18 football game in Cebu last Sunday ended in violence when three players of the Alcoy Football Club were allegedly attacked by parents of players from the opposing team, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC).

Sun.Star Cebu reported on Monday that the three players of Alcoy FC are planning to file child abuse charges against the parents who allegedly attacked them.

Photo shows a player being attacked on the field during a match between Alcoy FC and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu. Photo courtesy of Sun.Star Cebu.

The report said Alcoy FC goal-keeper, Rodenel Binolirao Jr., was “wrestling on the field” with an unidentified SHS-AdC player when he was “mauled” by a man who entered the field.

“A parent joined in on the action and our goalie got bloodied. Based on our interview, two others were also kicked by parents,” Alcoy FC coach Glenda Antig told Sun.Star Cebu.

“We are used to seeing player against player, and it is okay for us, but not this,” Antig said.

Binolirao was bloodied in the aftermath of the brawl. The Cebu Football Association is already investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, Alcoy Mayor Nick de los Santos told Sun.Star Cebu that the parents of other Alcoy FC players will aid the three victims in filing child abuse charges.